Alex Smith is what he is—a game manager. He won't lose games for the 49ers, but he's not going to put the team on his back and lead them to victory either.

Right about now, you are furiously scrolling down to the comment section to rip that last statement to shreds, pointing to Smith's performance against the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs last year.

I'm well aware of the way Smith led the 49ers to victory in that game, but it's important to keep something in mind: He did that against a New Orleans Saints defense that ranked 30th in the NFL against the pass.

Who gives the 49ers a better chance to win?

Colin KaepernickAlex SmithSubmit Votevote to see results

Who gives the 49ers a better chance to win?

Colin Kaepernick

28.4%

Alex Smith

71.6%

Total votes: 1,432

On a team that has weapons that many quarterbacks would kill to have at their disposal—Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Randy Moss and Mario Manningham—Smith has managed only 13 touchdown passes and picked up only 1,731 yards.

But Rick, Smith has more experience than Colin Kaepernick. Experience is more important than talent for this team down the stretch. Kaepernick's lack of experience cost the 49ers the game against the Rams on Sunday.

Really?

The 49ers lost that game because of David Akers' inability to kick a field goal, not because of the rookie mistakes that the sophomore Kaepernick made.

Lest we forget, Kaepernick led the team with 84 rushing yards on a day when Frank Gore couldn't get going, putting the 49ers in position to put points on the board.

Smith wouldn't have scrambled all over the field to make plays when there wasn't an open receiver. He would have thrown the ball out of bounds.

But completing short passes against the NFL's elite teams isn't going to get the 49ers to where they want to be.

The 49ers need a QB who can throw the ball down the field, someone who will make opposing defenses respect their passing game, which in turn gives players like Gore more room to do their thing on the ground.

Kaepernick makes the 49ers a more dangerous and versatile offense than Smith ever could.

San Francisco needs a playmaker under center—they don't need this generation's version of Trent Dilfer.

Smith needs to stay where he is, firmly planted on the sidelines with a clipboard in his hand.